July 2012 / Group judging changes are imminent. AKC Board is considering 6 placements instead of 4 and will accept judge and exhibitor input.

GROUP JUDGING CHANGES

The AKC recognizes
new breeds at a fast pace and places them in existing groups. Rather
than moving breeds from one group to another, which requires expensive
judge’s re-education and group realignment, why not expand to 10 Groups
(like FCI) instead of trying to absorb new breeds into existing groups?

Here’s
an idea to help with realigning the groups. Many new breeds come from
the OLD WORLD. Let’s name a new group the “Old World Group” since many
of these newly accepted breeds in the last 10 years do in fact come from
an earlier time. Separate this “Old World Group” into Working and
Pastoral. Miscellaneous Group tells us many more breeds are coming down
the pike. With the influx of hounds, why not separate the Scent Hounds
from the Sight Hounds? Are there enough Northern Breeds to form a
“Northern Group?” These questions must be taken into consideration.

Is the AKC missing
the boat regarding public interest? The World Dog Show is popular.
Breeders could dress in the costume of their native country. Booths
could be made available to educate the public. This golden opportunity
could stir interest and generate funds for clubs. Judges wanting
another Group could be approved for the Old World Group, serve an
apprentice ship, and become a Group expert.

The “Select” program
has taken some heat, however we see Champions in the ring that haven’t
been campaigned for some time. This allows breeders to consider possible
stud services and affords a wonderful platform for Champions to be seen
at maturity...

Should we have spay
and neuter classes? People love their pets and welcome the opportunity
to show them off. Once a “Spay and Neuter” Group” is established,
perhaps judges wanting to be on the fast track could apply for an entire
group. By serving a given time of apprenticeship (perhaps 5 years) under
supervision, it could cut down half of the time regarding Group
completion. Isn’t it more educational to judge an entire group to learn
body shapes, top lines, breed specific movement, and size consideration
than to look at 25 of the same breed? IF a new judge awards the wrong
dogs, THESE DOGS WILL NOT PRODUCE AND DAMAGE THE BREEDS FURTHER.

Let the clubs
re-instate price breaks for 6-9 month and 9-12 puppy classes because it
will actually increase entry income. An additional judge might be called
in for $4 a dog, which could further a provisional judge’s goals as
well.

Should the AKC have
two shows back to back in one day? Before jumping into the UKC agenda,
attend a UKC show. It’s very expensive to enter, plus one must also
register their dog with UKC before a title is available. This may exceed
the AKC entry fee. Do you foresee judges officiating at two shows and
charging by the day? Having attended UKC shows, they are reminiscent of
the huge matches of the past. The AKC show presents a far more
professional picture. Along that line, one is not allowed foreign
substance in the coat (dream on) and they are not allowed to bait in the
ring. Occasionally a photographer is present. There are no food stands
and few, if any, vendor booths. UKC shows ARE a wonderful training venue
for starting young puppies. The UKC judge may not have the extensive
educational opportunities as AKC judges but when it comes to Hounds,
bench shows, and field activities, UKC does it very well.

One may not agree
with the inner workings of the AKC, but they ARE a class act and they
ARE struggling to remain so. Changes requiring DNA stud testing,
increased litter registration costs, fees for processing applications,
and (lets face it) eventually judges dues, do increase the bottom line.
The AKC fights for our sport and privilege of dog ownership. However,
having literature at shows is “preaching to the choir”. The AKC must
reach out and educate the public. The public MUST understand the right
to own a pet is threatened daily.

Creative thinking
and brain storming is a necessity; working together is even more of a
necessity. Send your suggestions to the American Kennel Club to be
presented to the Board for consideration. Perhaps your idea will spark
future success regarding dog ownership and the continuous privilege to
participate in this great sport of dogs.